Brisbane’s Central Station is an “embarrassment” that needs a major facelift to bring it up to global standards befitting an Olympic city, according to a renowned transport and precincts architect.
John McAslan + Partners director Troy Uleman said the current station was an “embarrassment that feels old, tired, and grimy” but it could be transformed into a light-filled and uplifting gateway to the city.
The firm has designed transport infrastructure around the world, including King’s Cross and Bond Street stations in London, Belfast Central Station in Ireland, and the current redevelopment of Penn Station in New York.
“This proposal shows how it could be turned around, opening the station to the sky and the adjacent heritage buildings,” Mr Uleman said.
“Central (Station) sits right on Anzac Square, a significant public open space. Redesigning the station to better integrate into the surrounding precincts will open up movement from the CBD to the north and drive investment. It is ripe for public and private partnerships that would benefit everyone.
“The station is arguably Brisbane’s most important transport hub, but it is buried beneath the Sofitel and an office block, and disconnected from its surroundings.
“It’s hard to find your way in and out, and it has no civic presence.
“But it has great heritage bones and the potential to become a welcoming front door to the city that leverages the heritage buildings to give the station the sense of identity it lacks.”
The remodel would elevate Central Station to the standard needed ahead of the Games, when it will be the first impression of Brisbane for international visitors arriving by rail from the airport.
Mr Uleman said Brisbane must “seize the generational opportunity for transport infrastructure to shape an enduring legacy for the city and its people beyond the Olympics.”
He said it was crucial for Brisbane to ensure planning was transport-led.
“If transport leads planning, the city will be better connected and gain precincts that benefit people and support development well into the future,” he said. “Otherwise, it will be a massive lost opportunity.”
